Burraneer Crossing March 2026
Yarra Bay Luncheon
A big thank you to all those that joined us at Yarra Bay Sailing Club.
Navigator’s trip to Yarra Bay was a most pleasant affair. We depart from Cronulla, setting the sails courtesy of John Duff & Doug Foster. Joining us onboard for the first time is Louise, Doug’s wife. (It turns out Lou is quite the sailor!)
Doug & Louise Foster
The trip was notable for this singular fact; we held the same tack all the way to Yarra Bay aided by the ENE winds.
We anchor and stroll up the beautiful beach of Yarra Bay. As the sun appeared so did the local sun-bathers. The elevated banks of sand curl round to form a near perfect amphitheatre of shelter; flooded with sunshine yet protected from the wind.
Anchored at Yarra Bay
The weather continues to fine up and once again we have ringside seats overlooking these picturesque waters accompanied by a club menu full of delicious choices.
Debs & I relished our scrumptious main courses and enjoyed the congenial company of fellow friends and sailors.
Special thanks to those that came by car and made the extra effort to be there, with special mention to Ken & Libby Teiffel.
Sincere thanks also to Mike Wolf for joining us, along with Michael Meehan, Brent Vaughan and Dave Bateup.
I’m obliged to Tony Towndrow and Glen Burgess who not only brought their crew along but their wives too. It was delightful to finally meet the ‘better halves’.
Thank you to the Y-knot team of David & Karyn Newton, Gary & Tracey Fielder and Gordon Knight. I’m also grateful for their invaluable tender hospitality.
Rainbow over Gunnamatta on return leg
While Navigator headed back home to Port Hacking, David & Gary piloted ‘TheRiv’ north and raced off to catch the action of the Sail GP on Sydney Harbour.
Thank you again to all for coming along to join us at Yarra Bay.
Peter Corbett
Interested: Navigator (4boat), L'attitude (2car), Excentric (2car), The Riv (4boat), Patrol Boat (6car), Mach-1(4boat), Possible Dream (3car), MC Starship(2car)
Apologies: Reve, Brand-X, Jazz Bar, marri nuwi
Audley Trip 2025
All rafted up at Audley
Thank you to all who made the journey to Audley. It’s such a beautiful spot!!
It takes less than an hour of gentle motoring to get there.
Thank you to the 6 boats that arrived at Pool Flat on a hot Saturday morning. An extra special thanks goes to all those that made the extra effort to come by car to join us.
Dave B is playing some cool vibes in the shimmering heat
Meandered along its path we followed JB on L'attitude who kindly guides us past the shallows of Swallow Rock. After that there was little to worry us as we made our way. The tide was so full that the top of one of lateral channel marks was barely visible. Also there was the odd over hanging tree branches which were easily avoided. I wish I remembered that on the way back! (some of those branches have now been slightly trimmed).
Leaving all evidence of residential housing behind us we sail into the leafy vegetation of the Royal National Park. The unspoilt waterway reveals the odd pontoon along the shoreline with the only access being from the steep and elevated precarious placed stone steps and ladders
On arrival Dave Bateup on Chill kindly assisted us with rafting up. That done, Dave reappeared moments later with his pet Dog Ash in one hand and surprisingly a saxophone in the other. Moments later Dave B is playing some cool vibes in the shimmering heat while Alistair & Alison are first to enjoy a refreshing swim.
The paddle board competition was hit in the hot weather with 3 contenders vying for first place and all carrying pillion passenger’s!! (Doug Foster’s 5 year old son Seb joined his Dad and a pet dog apiece joined their owners aboard Andy and Dave’s paddle board).
Well done to Dave who managed to cross the line first by a (dog’s) short half head!
First prize of a Huski Wine goblet goes to Dave B.
Drinks onboard followed by lunch and Dinner at the Sheds (and some more drinks cos it was hot)
The paddle board competition was hit in the hot weather
After dinner the Trivia Competition was held back onboard Achtung baby! Thank you so much Lisa and Andy for hosting all of us.
The winner was marri nuwi with Alison taking home first prize (another gold Huski goblet)
(I’m happy to supply Q&A’s for all those who wish to refresh their memories)
The predicted Southerly came in gently around 6am Sunday but thankfully wasn’t as fierce as forecast.
Safely homeward bound Debs commented on how much she had enjoyed herself and I wholeheartedly agreed with her sentiments.
So thank you to all again. It was a pleasure to be in the finest company of such good humoured revelry and that topped it off for me as the perfect weekend escape.
Peter (Corbett) Navigator
Historic photo of the halcyon days of Audley.
Attended:
Navigator (2), L'attitude (2), Achtung Baby (2), Chill (2), marri nuwi (2), Axiom (1), Mark Klees & Tina Costanzo (car), Vanessa & Rupert (car), Di and Steve Saunders (car), Doug & Seb Foster (car), Bernadette & Philippa (car), Rick and Elizabeth Henwood (Tinnie).
Next cruise event is Yarra Bay 28th February 2026
Winifred Re-visited 2025
by Peter Corbett
My sincere thanks to all that joined us for our trip towards Winifred Falls. We were spoilt with a perfect hot summer day in Spring!
Our tenders begin their journey curling around a carpet of bright green mangroves. Instantly the concealed oasis unveils its secrets, revealing a panoramic abundance of untouched natural beauty.
Green and gold, rugged and rocky, the cliff covered wilderness of eucalyptus meets you on one side and gentle sloping shores invite you to the other
"We wade back through malleable cushions of fine silken sand and the fickle flashes of silver fish"
Enveloped by gleaming rivulets of pristine crystal waters, you float along its graceful and meandering path.
Ambient noise from the weekend boaters has long gone as you’re immersed in an air of soft silence, punctuated only with the occasional chorus of bird calls.
The whole sensory experience becomes inspirational and breathtaking!
The ebbing tidal flow imperceptibly turns as we wade back through malleable cushions of fine silken sand and the fickle flashes of silver fish.
I glance back, quietly content knowing that unexpectantly this has become my new annual pilgrimage.
There’s a magical tranquillity to this place that defies any reasonable explanation.
Come and see for yourself! Peter
Attending: John & Margaret, Tanya, Jo, Vanessa, Gus on L'attitude, Peter & Deb Corbett on Navigator, Alison & Alistair Rowe.
Apology: Peter Rochaix, Bill Dickson, Lisa Jude, Mike Wolf.
Join us for the next Port Hacking Cruise Event!
Saturday 6-7 December 2025
Destination: Audley, overnighter, raft-up, BBQ onshore.
Whale Watching Course
Whale Watching
By Peter Corbett
Reve leads us out of Jibbon as the red ensign proudly dances in her wake.
I followed next in Navigator, with her dew covered decks reflecting the cool bright morning sunshine. Mach1 follows fast, close astern. There was little swell to bother us but the chill of winter breeze.
Bill Dickson heads us towards the small grey silhouettes sitting on Bate Bay’s horizon. We all follow.
These grey oscillating cubes come into profile finally forming recognisable features of three other boats.
We are all here for the same reason!
Whale swims in-between Reve & Navigator
My wife Debs has brought her best friend along and it didn’t take long to hear squeals of delight on seeing their first whale surfacing behind us. With engines barely idling, a second dark shape breaks the surface dispersing as quickly as it appeared only to appear again revealing its length, showing off its muscular horizontal flukes high out of the water, flexing under the smooth pigmented skin. A third and fourth whale appear, all grouped together.
Beautiful display of Flukes
The girls are screaming with joy and delight as the show magically repeats itself again and again!
My depth sounder reads around 47 metres then suddenly reads 5 as the next pod comes through and we sit in vigil, scanning the water’s surface.
Blooms of flat water sporadically appear, flattening the wind ripples. We can hardly contain our excitement in anticipation of the next whale to break the ocean surface.
I’ve long noticed that even the most surliest of sailors mellow at the sight of escorting dolphins but today was another first for me. It was the first time I felt an emotion that I can only describe as a joyous euphoria that’s intensely humbling, as I witnessed the wonders of these generous giants of the sea.
Whale moves closer
We watched in awe as the whales performed a flurry of further activities and gratefully agreed we had had our fill, finally heading into Boat Harbour to anchor for lunch.
Rounding off a day of excitement, we had a final salute from a pod of dolphins guiding us back to the heads of Port Hacking.
Surely this is the lucky country because today Mother Nature’s abundance of natural wonders was on full display!
Peter
Reve, Mach1 and Navigator
Next cruising event is South West Arm to Winifred Falls. Overnighter Saturday 6 & 7th October 2025.
All are welcome!
Wattamolla - ‘The Shift in the Wind’
I woke to the morning’s cacophony of kookaburras, knowing that this day would be filled with purpose and adventure because today was… destination Wattamolla!!
Wattamolla, (Providential Cove), albeit pristine and picturesque has three submerged reefs that should be carefully negotiated when approached by sea.
While we had a vastly experienced group among us to help navigate the reefs and been told to approach Wattamolla from the southeast, I was still curious to see what obstacles lay head.
On opening up my Garmin Boating app and scrolling to Wattamolla, it seemed to provide very little navigational value.
That was until I changed two setting. I switch from Nautical Chart to Sonar Chart and then hit Satellite Imagery.
Suddenly all is revealed!
Our plan is to drop anchor at Wattamolla Bay by lunch, toast our achievement with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc while feasting on our freshly made wraps and verify the proof of our journey with a team photo on the beach.
Under high cloud of grey skies against the incoming tide, I gently throttled forward into the funnelling chill of channel breeze heading towards our rendezvous point Jibbon.
Bill Dickson's photo of conditions near Wattamolla
Seconds later the crackle of VHF radio rattles around the cockpit. A vibration in my pocket, momentarily startles me as my mobile begins to ring. Both forms of communication are meant for me. Both are from Bill Dickson as he relays his findings.
It wasn’t the news I wanted to hear but it became clear that the southerly swell and wind direction would likely compromise safe anchoring and at best leave us anchored wallowing in a mostly unpleasant motion.
Special thanks to Alistair for his reconnoitrer of Wattamolla the day before hand. He was kind and diligent enough to make an initial assessment that gave us a degree of hope that the trip might still be possible.
Unfavourable weather telemetry radioed in that morning from two seasoned campaigners' courtesy of Bill Dickson and Richard Stock on Reve, who had already made their way towards our destination, confirmed our decision to postpone our trip.
A big thank you to all the boats that came along to join us with special mention to Dave Cartmer who had a record of nine POB.
Team photo on Jibbon Beach
Congratulations is also in order to all involved for making the very best of it despite the trip postponement, as Jibbon became the new hot lunch spot for marri nuwi, Mach1, Etre Jeune, Reve and Tobruk.
L'attitude and Navigator rafted up at Gooseberry Bay.
What felt like a compromise slowly became something special — the sun appeared, the breeze eased, and I was afforded such wonderful hospitality onboard L'attitude sharing time with JB’s family.
Thank you again to all for your support and thank you for joining us.
'In victory, you deserve Champagne;'
Stayed tuned for news of the next trip which will be Whale Watching, coming shortly!
Good sailing!
Peter Corbett
L'attitude, Navigator, marri nuwi, Mach1, Etre Jeune, Reve and Tobruk.
Lunch at Boat Harbour
By Peter Corbett
Blessed with good weather, flat seas and in the company of sailing royalty, today was an excellent day to be at Boat Harbour!!
My sincere thanks to Bill and Lynden for their company, their insightful advice and snap shots a their sailing adventures.
The couple that also need no introduction were John and Jo Zagame, who totally spoilt us with their generous and magnificent hospitality onboard their sleek lined and well-appointed catamaran Koh Racha.
To top the day off, I made a new best friend! Her name is ‘Ollie’, a beautiful black Portuguese water dog who completely stole my heart with her affection.
Debs and I are most grateful to you all for taking the time and making the effort to be there. It truely made our day!
Thank you again for such a wonderful time!!
Peter
Want to join in for next month’s Port Hacking Cruise Event?
The destination: Wattamolla, Day trip, anchor for lunch.
All are welcome!
Look forward to seeing you there!
Yachts Interested: Navigator (2), L'attitude (2), Koh Racha (3), Etre Jeune (2), Reve (2).
Yarra Bay
By Peter Corbett
A big thank you to all those that joined us at Yarra Bay on Saturday 22nd February.
With ringside seats overlooking the bay, Yarra Bay Sailing Club provided us with a delicious choice for lunch.
Lobster and seafood platters seemed to be a popular choice.
Special thanks to those that came by car and made the extra effort to be there, including Ken and Libby, Pete Rochiax and his wife Lesley.
It was a pleasure have Paul & Jane Kelly from Cronulla Sailing Club join us too. Mooring their boat at Frenchman’s Bay, keeping Rich & Rosslyn company on Etre Jeune overnight.
Margaritaville anchored overnight at Yarra bay with Navigator keeping her company.
Jude on Achtung Baby were delayed but still managed against the odds, to sail to the club just in time to miss us for lunch. So close yet so far. We’ll make it up to you next year Lisa!
The northeasterly winds picked up and L’attitude headed home after lunch with Margaret on the helm and JB setting up the spinnaker. I imagine it would have been a quick run home!
Special thanks to JB for tendering me in and Paul Kelly for tendering me out.
Back onboard, I busied myself with familiarising the undiscovered parts of my newly acquired boat. The time quickly disappeared as sunset approached and finally to bed onboard for the first time, kept company with the reassuring loom of lights from the Container Terminal.
In the morning, I awoke to the distinct sound of outboard engines nearby. I popped my head up out of the companion way hatch to see crowd of young lads dressed in the colours of South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club busily jostling for position on Yarra beach during their Nippers training. It was a beautiful sight to see the ‘old hands’ passing their knowledge and skills on to a younger generation.
A light breakfast of cheese on a buttered roll washed down with hot tea.
So time to head home to test out this strange looking Simrad tiller auto helm I found in the saloon locker last night! Peter
Text message received from Libby & Ken Teiffel
Hi Peter thank you for organising the luncheon. I felt there should be acknowledgement on the RMYC Site...
" On Saturday, 22nd, February, Ken and I boarded our Land Yacht "Possible Dream" and under blue skies motored to Yarra Bay.
The people who had sailed in all met up at the Yarra Bay Sailing Club.
With wonderful views of the beautiful beach we all enjoyed a couple of drinks and the excellent food from a quite extensive menu.
Having enjoyed the excellent company Ken and I boarded or Land Yacht to head for home.
It was a very enjoyable day and we Thank Peter Corbett for organising it.”
Yachts Interested: Navigator (3), L'attitude (5), Possible Dream (2), Etre Jeune (2), Margaritaville (2), Chinook (4), Tripple T, Attung Baby (2) ... Total people (22)
Can't make it this time: Jazz Bar, Excentric (2)
Audley Postponed for 2024
Timing this year conspired against us for the following reasons.
- Too close to Christmas for many with all the other committments.
- Tides too early in the morning for some skippers.
- Close to the last Twilight race and after race party.
- Clash with Carols by Cruisers.
- Response not sufficient as we need reasonable numbers to be successful.
We are bound by tides.
In hindsight this should have been planned for tides a month earlier where the tides are also latter.
This would also avoid the clash with so many other activities so close the Christmas.
It will be planned for November next year.
Wildflowers-October-2024 – A slice of Heaven by Peter Corbett (Completed)
I’ve often found that life’s ‘little surprises’ tend to be unexpected and mostly unpleasant. 
How refreshing then to be suddenly struck in awe with the beauty of something that you never knew was there and even more surprisingly, it had been at your doorstep all this time.
I’d been assigned the illustrious task of organising this event, albeit with most of the help coming from you know who.
Suitably attired with tenders, lovingly packed picnic hampers stowed with a selective range of various delicious beverages at hand and we were off! Leading people to a place I’d never been before, betraying a suitable manner of calm disposition, I became a frenzied iPhone camera button pushing tourist.
The expansive bay we anchored in, curls into a shoreline bordered with an abundance of bright green mangroves.
Moments later, we are idling up into shallow calm waters of purest crystal. The westerly winds pulsed to a slow respiratory rhythmic wave of a sleeping giant.
Enclosed from all sides by the National Park, instantly you’re away from the world, a palpable calm serenity envelops you.
Mysterious and meandering, the waters shimmer to a warm copper glow.
This hidden oasis is bordered with curiously constructed precipitous perpendicular cliffs, unbroken vertical ledges of stone towering aloft. The opposing river bank is a canopy of olive green and grey eucalypts erupting through the undulating elevations.
Gentle sloped clearings appear to invite you to their sandy shore meeting patches of what appears to be finely manicured lawn. The wading shallows are peppered with shoal smooth stone.
We sit on a giant fallen log eating our scrumptious picnic in the scent of eucalyptus embers.
It’s a revelation! In short, this is one of the best ‘wholesome’ things I’ve done in ages. So guess what…I’m going to it again next year!! I hope you can too!
Join us for this year’s trip!
Wildflowers Picnic Collage and Slideshow
Interested: Tobruk, Excentric, L’attitude-1, Margaritaville, marri nuwi, Imogen, L’attitude-2
Can’t make it this time: Cordelia, Possible Dream, Regatta, Sirocco, Reve, Jazz Bar, Free Spirit, Majella, Amazing Grace, Excelsior, Aeolus, Koh Racha